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Grass pollen allergy

It’s that time of year again! June and July is peak grass
pollen season. When you see the grass grow tall and get those little
tuffs on top, beware….pollen will be blowing for miles.

Grass:
There are over 1200 species of grasses native to
North America (10,000 world wide), but only a few of these are
significant when it comes to allergies. Different grasses wind-pollinate
during specific times of the year, depending on the location in the
U.S. Grasses in our area include bahia, bermuda, bluegrass, fescue,
orchard, ryegrass, sweet vernal, and timothy. Further south, the grasses
may pollinate most of the year! This is important information for
travelers with grass pollen allergy. Timothy grass is widely cultivated
for hay and the most important commercially grown grass (more than
alfalfa and clover!). Golf courses typically have bermuda, kentucky
bluegrass or ryegrass.

Grass pollen: The pollen is primarily released in the
morning. All grass pollen grains are similar in appearance being
spherical with 1 pore. Within each grain, there are more than 20 active
components (mostly proteins) that trigger the allergic reaction. Most
grasses share common allergens, so if you are allergic to one species,
you are likely allergic to them all with the exception of Bermuda and
Johnson grass. Some patients who are wheat allergic may experience
more significant grass pollen allergy symptoms as these are related.

Asthma: while the entire pollen is too large to be inhaled
into the lung, the pollen can break apart into smaller pieces that when
inhaled deeply, trigger cough, wheezing, chest tightness and/or
shortness of breath.

While grass is fun to look at, mow, play soccer on and have
picnics on, the pollen can wreak havoc on those who are allergic. If
you suffer from summer allergies or suspect grass allergy, at Family Allergy Asthma & Sinus Care, we can test for grass (and other pollen) and develop a specific treatment plan just for you.